Facts and Legends Of The NFC North

Many people of the vast NFL fanbase have considered the NFC East the best division in the NFC. That maybe true, but looking at the impressive history of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and even the Detroit Lions, all have their own mark in the rich history of the NFL.

The Packers and Bears rivalry has been something of legend for over 190 games. Though it has somewhat cooled off when the Packers sought with fierce passion to defeat the Minnesota Vikings when Brett Favre began Playing there. George Halas, the second winningist coach in NFL history, led the Bears to 9 NFL Championships. Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi have gotten the historic Green Bay Packers over 12 championships. Lombardi and Bart Starr, one of the most respected quarterbacks of all time, won the first two Super Bowls.

The Bears got the first SB win after the merger of the then NFC Central after an outstanding 18-1 season. The Packers would get the next one in early 1997. They both beat the Patriots in those victories

The Detroit Lions started out in Portsmouth, despite success there, they couldn't survive financally and therefore moved to Detroit. They had success there in the 1950's and in the 90's when they were consistent playoff contenders with the great Barry Sanders. But this decade they have had little to no credibility to them.

The Minnesota Vikings appeard on the scene in 1961 and was coach by Norm Van Brocklin. They had some early struggles, until Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant came to town. He won the last NFL Championship before the merger, won 10 post season games, and led the team to four Super Bowls (though not winning any). The team struggled in the middle 80's, but got back to the playoffs when Jerry Burns took over. After retiring in 1991, Dennis Green (they were, who we thought they were) came to Vikings. He won over 100 games with the team. Including a 15-1 record in 1998.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the then NFC Central in 1977 but were moved to the NFC South when the 2002 realignment had occured.

Quick Facts:

Most Hall of Famers from one division

10 Super Bowl appearances, 3 wins from the Packers and 1 from the Bears

Of the top 5 teams with the highest win-loss percentage overall, 3 of the are in the NFC North (Bears .577, Packers .558, and The Vikings at .555) the other 2 are the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.

Current Rankings (2009-2010 season)

Minn: 12-4

GB: 11-5

CHI: 7-9

DET: 2-14

Looking at the offseason moves the teams have made this year in 2010, I think I can say that the teams from this division (though maybe not the Lions) will be a force in the NFC next year. Especially looking at how the Packers and Vikings played in 2009. The Bears and Lions both made a splash in the opening weeks of free agency.